Mercedes-Benz Trucks is bringing a package of updates covering its entire range, both electric and diesel, to IAA Transportation 2026. Four new developments take centre stage: Powerliner, the new generation of engine and transmission technology set to gradually replace the current architecture from 2027; a series of driver assistance systems revised on the basis of real-world accident analysis; the eActros Lowliner, an electric tractor designed for high-volume transport; and an update to the Fleetboard digital ecosystem for fleet management.
On the diesel side, the new Powerliner system is designed to provide closer integration and coordination between the engine, transmission, axles and other components within a single architecture, with the aim of cutting fuel consumption by up to 4% compared with the previous generation. Production of commercial vehicles equipped with this architecture will begin in April 2026. The systems comply with the current Euro VI standard and will also meet the new noise regulations from the start of production, while being conceptually prepared for the future Euro VII standard. Certification is also available for the use of XtL fuel under the EN 15940 standard, with a carbon-neutral CO2 balance.
The new architecture covers the OM 470 and OM 471 engines, both equipped with a new injection system, in-house developed turbochargers and an improved oil circuit. The OM 470, designed for distribution and payload-sensitive applications, delivers maximum outputs of 265 kW, 300 kW or 335 kW at 1,500 rpm, with maximum torque ranging from 1,800 to 2,200 Nm. The OM 471, intended for long-haul and heavy-duty applications, is available with outputs of 310 kW, 330 kW, 365 kW and, in the new range-topping version, 400 kW, with torque of up to 2,800 Nm at 1,100 rpm. Powerliner is designed to operate at lower engine speeds through downspeeding, reducing fuel consumption, noise and wear. For long-haul operations, Mercedes-Benz Trucks recommends a tall i=2.278 final-drive ratio, paired with the OM 471 engine and G 291 transmission. The transmission range also includes the lightweight G 211 and G 230 versions, the G 291 and G 340 for medium- and heavy-duty applications, and the G 280 for special loads or use with the Turbo Retarder Clutch.
For active safety, the German manufacturer is introducing new systems designed on the basis of around six million kilometres of global road testing, supplemented by simulation and track tests, and developed using analysis of real-world accident scenarios. The new functions will be introduced from April 2027 on the Actros, Arocs and Mercedes-Benz and Setra buses. Active Cross Traffic Assist detects vehicles and motorcycles rapidly crossing the truck's path at speeds of up to 120 km/h, combining radar sensors and cameras to provide 270-degree coverage. If there is a risk of collision, the system issues visual and audible warnings, followed by partial braking and, if necessary, full automatic braking.
For the first time, Active Sideguard Assist 3 covers both sides of the vehicle. The system introduces a dedicated function for detecting approaching traffic while turning on the driver's side, identifying obstacles at speeds of up to 120 km/h, and can apply the brakes at speeds between 0 and 20 km/h. It operates using six radar sensors and a camera. Active Drive Assist 3, a Level 2 partially automated driving system for the Actros, maintains a safe distance, manages acceleration and braking, and keeps the vehicle within its lane. It has six driver profiles activated via an individual card for each driver, allowing settings to be personalised. The system also enables automatic restarting after stops in traffic lasting less than two seconds. Attention Assist 2 focuses directly on the driver, using an infrared camera to assess head position and eyelid closure and detect signs of distraction, fatigue or microsleep. Mercedes-Benz Trucks says the system neither stores nor transmits recorded video data.
In the electric vehicle segment, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is showing a version specifically designed for high-volume transport in Hanover. Called the eActros Lowliner, it will be available to order from the third quarter of 2026 and will enter production at the Wörth plant in the second quarter of 2027. It is a 4x2 tractor with a 4,000 mm wheelbase, designed with the same fifth-wheel and ground clearance heights as diesel vehicles, allowing it to couple with semi-trailers offering an internal height of up to 3 metres. This solution makes it easier to integrate electric tractors into mixed diesel and electric fleets.
The lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries are arranged longitudinally to keep chassis height down, in configurations of two or three 207 kWh battery packs. The eActros 400 Lowliner has two packs providing a total capacity of 414 kWh and a maximum payload of around 24 tonnes, while the eActros 600 Lowliner uses three packs with a combined capacity of 621 kWh, a payload of around 21 tonnes and a manufacturer-claimed fully laden range of around 500 kilometres. Standard CCS charging provides up to 400 kW, with a 10-80% charging time of 46 minutes for the 400 version and 70 minutes for the 600. From the second half of 2027, the Megawatt Charging System standard will also be supported, at up to 700 kW for the two-battery version, which can be charged in around 27 minutes, or up to 1,000 kW for the three-battery version, with a charging time of around 29 minutes. The electric axle delivers 400 kW continuously and 600 kW at peak output, paired with a four-speed transmission.
The cab features ProCabin aerodynamics in Stream, Big and Giga variants, the Multimedia Cockpit Interactive 2 dashboard with a 12-inch display, MirrorCam, premium seats and Predictive Powertrain Control, as well as the full suite of sensors for advanced driver assistance, including Active Brake Assist 6 Plus and Front Guard Assist. Mercedes-Benz says the eActros Lowliner cuts CO2 emissions by around 40% over an average European life cycle, rising to more than 80% when it is charged exclusively with renewable energy. In the latter case, the break-even point for emissions generated by battery production is expected to be reached after 77,000 kilometres.
Beyond the cab, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is expanding its digital ecosystem for transport operations management. The established Fleetboard platform has now been streamlined from 12 solutions to five core packages, included as standard for 36 months on almost all new vehicles sold from January 2027 in selected European markets. Fleetboard Core covers vehicle tracking, journey documentation and maintenance planning; Fleetboard Analytics analyses fuel and energy consumption and driving style, including a driver score calculated for electric vehicles on the basis of wear and energy recovery; Fleetboard Compliance manages tachograph data, data downloads and visibility of driving and rest times, with a new infringement analysis function; Fleetboard Charge plans electric vehicle charging and provides information on public and private charging points and remaining charging times.
The range is completed by Mercedes-Benz Trucks Uptime, real-time proactive diagnostics designed to anticipate faults and arrange spare parts promptly. For the OM 470, OM 471 and OM 473 engines, it allows maintenance intervals to be extended from 120,000 to 150,000 kilometres and is now also available without an assistance contract. The new My TruckPoint Store allows customers to purchase these products online in just a few steps and monitor vehicles, financial information and leasing contracts. From December 2026, the TruckLive onboard connectivity offering will be divided into two levels: TruckLive Core, free with no time limit, including connected apps, over-the-air updates, maintenance management and Service24h Connected digital breakdown support; and TruckLive Plus, included for the first three years and then available for a fee, adding Connected Traffic Warnings, over-the-air map updates, parking search, digital pre-departure checks and the new Remote 3.0 app.
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